I tried to put a Followers gadget on Martyn's Steam Days blog but it was missing from the list of options.
In trying find out what had happened I found some information on the Google Help Centre which stated that the Followers gadget is going to be 'retired'. It doesn't say when and this is the first I've heard about it.
So this gadget on my blog sidebar will presumably disappear at some stage along with all of you who have so kindly added yourself to the list.
This gadget is being replaced by a Google+ Followers gadget like this which I have added to the sidebar of my blog so if you like you can swap.
If you look on the sidebar you can follow my blog using various other alternative methods such as Facebook, Twitter, email or Bloglovin. Apparently Google Reader is being retired too. Blogger is obviously putting all its eggs into the Google+ basket.
It is so frustrating when they decide to scrap something that is working but I do hope this won't stop you following my blog as I would miss knowing you were there!
Posts
Um, that's a shame, it's always handy clicking on the followers links to see what other people are up to.
ReplyDeleteI have got into Google+ a bit more recently but it's a shame comments on Google+ don't feed through to the blog comments (like this one), don't you think?
If anyone knows how these comments could be linked I'd be interested...
I'd be interested too Belinda
DeleteI didn't know this. I guess I will need to tend to my google+ account.
ReplyDeleteI did guess people wouldn't have heard as I hadn't, GM
DeleteI have switched to Bloglovin, which is a kind of blog reader. Now, all the blog you follow via Google may be read in Google reader. This is to be ended some time in July. If you import all of your Google reader data into Bloglovin, you will be able to continue following all the blogs you follow now. I am very content with Bloglovin. Have all my blogs on one place and read all the updates from there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Vesna - it was with your blog mentioning Bloglovin that made me look at it and add a 'follow using Bloglovin' link the my blog
DeleteMust admit I find the fact that followers are anonymous a bit frustrating as I often go to my followers list to find their blogs so I can read them too. I know some follow privately but that is through choice.
DeleteSue, I agree with you: it's so frustrating that Google (and FB and Twitter et al) keep on changing things. Just when you have understood their offering and got things set up the way you want, they change the bloody thing!
ReplyDeleteJane wrote about the forthcoming demise of Google Reader on her blogs a few days ago. You might find this article useful...
http://www.compersgrapevine.co.uk/2013/03/goodbye-google-reader.html
I've read it Mark thanks. I wonder how long the bloglists will survive as I find that is my preferred way of keeping up with the blogs that I read.
DeleteHow frustrating. Since I started blogging blogger has gotten more and more difficult. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating Bonnie - everyone likes to see improvements but I can't see how this is improving things!
DeleteThanks for the heads up, Sue. I've got everything from Blogger to Google+ to Facebook to Twitter but not a clue how to co-ordinate them. Unti something no longer works I continue to bumble along. The only thing I want to do is to upload some pictures and some commentary (and get feedback). Simple? But No, I have to learn to navigate my way around the various obstacles the providers will (I now recognise) continually put up in front of me. I guess the internet is only going to be free for a limited number of years before they learn to extract cash from the users either directly, by advertising or selling the users details to interested parties. By the way I've discovered my old Blogger ID now takes new posts again. (I'm updated my bread blog Rye Smile again so that I don't clog up my new gardening blog). So users who got frightened into subscribing (like Matron for instance) have been tricked. Not fair. You've got to have the mind of a teenager to keep ahead at this game, so I fear for the future as dodderiness approaches. Yes it's still intermittent snow showers out in edinburgh today.
ReplyDeleteI use an app in Facebook called networked blogs that automatically adds new posts to both Twitter and facebook but so far I haven't found a way other than to manually share with Google+ which is a pain! Anyone else found a way of automating that. I think all of these things get in money from all the ads - they seem to do very well out of it!
DeleteI'll check out that bread blog - I had missed that you had it - is there a link on your gardening blog.
I think I'm older than you so less of the dodderiness!
Crikey none of these things make any sense to me whatsoever. i wish they'd just stick with what works rather than keep chopping and changing.
ReplyDeleteGuess I'll have to go research it all now and figure out what to do.
thanks for bringing this to our attention Sue, much appreciated.
Linda
I'm guessing the Followers button will stay for a while yet Linda but Google Reader that links to following and lets you keep track of blogs that you follow will disappear around 1 July!
DeleteHi Sue, I'm following by email, so I get all your post, although a day or so after you have actually posted them.
ReplyDeleteHi Miss Bougie - you are very welcome whichever way you choose to follow. As long as you have found a way that works for you! It's the reason I offer a few alternatives.
DeleteI'm surprised Google haven't killed off Reader before and I will miss it dreadfully.
ReplyDeleteHowever, they can't monetise Reader so there's no chance of it (or any other service they can't make a profit out of) surviving in the future.
"The Old Reader" website has fallen over with the increased traffic and I don't much care for Feedly or Bloglovin. Any alternative suggestions?
Must admit at the moment I just end up using my blog list, Bilbo and clicking links when I notice someone has updated.
DeleteI don't really understand this. I have you in my blog roll though so hopefully that will still work. I will keep my eye on things!!
ReplyDeleteI hope so too Tanya.
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